Company which started in High Peak shed records £5.2million turnover

DJS Research staff outside their head office near New Mills. Picture submitted.

Michael Broomhead

Published:10:27Updated:10:43Wednesday 27 June 2018

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A family-run business which began in a garden shed in Whaley Bridge has recorded an annual turnover of £5.2million.

DJS Research, which is owned by husband and wife team Danny and Ali Sims, has enjoyed a record-breaking 12 months – achieving double-digit growth for the 12th consecutive year.

It has also opened a second office in Leeds to support its multi-story head office in Strines near New Mills.

Figures show DJS has seen turnover grow from £4.7m to £5.2m over the past year, exceeding the £5m milestone that just 10 years ago Mr Sims casually joked with colleagues about achieving.

“I remember it so clearly,” he said, recalling the 2008 conversation with his wife and other research directors Sharon Nichols, James Hinde and Alasdair Gleed.

“We couldn’t have predicted growth at the pace we’ve achieved it. Our vision for DJS was to be one of the most successful research agencies in the North West with a £5m-plus turnover and, in just ten years, I think we can say we’ve gone beyond what we could ever have imagined.”

Speaking of the company’s extraordinary success story since its back-garden genesis, Mrs Sims said: “It really is a tale of hard work, dedication and genuine love of what we do. We’ve been committed to moving with the times, improving our services and always seeking to go that extra step for our clients.

“One thing is for certain, though, we couldn’t have done it without our incredible, loyal and talented staff. This achievement really is a credit to all of them.”

The company now has more than 60 permanent staff members as well as a dedicated team of field workers and telephone interviewers.

Earlier this year, DJS welcomed another research director Jenna Allen who specialises in employee engagement research.

With recent clients including The National Archives, Leicester City FC and the Consumer Credit Association, DJS looks set to continue its upward trajectory, conducting and delivering high-quality market research to national and international organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors.